Myck Kabongo: Shooting Stars champion

If you’re from Canada, then you most likely remember where you were when the Raptors won the championship. The country was filled with joy, pride and redemption.

If you’re a Scarborough native like me, you most likely felt those same feelings when the Scarborough Shooting Stars defeated the Calgary Surge in the CEBL championship.

One of the players who contributed to the team’s win was Myck Kabongo. I was able to catch up with him and discuss the big win, the non-profit camp he co-funds, as well as what’s next for him.

Tell us about yourself?

I’m a God-fearing man, hard-working, a man of my word. Someone who knows I have a purpose in life, and that’s to impact lives as much as possible, while I’m here in a positive way. I’m just me, you know [laughs].

When did you first start playing basketball, and when did you realize it was something you wanted to do?

I started playing basketball when I first moved to Canada, at around 9–10 years old. I’m very competitive and would play in the school yard and found a love for basketball. I didn’t really know the sport. I played soccer and when I saw kids playing with their hands and shooting balls, I didn’t understand what was happening. I adapted to where I was living and fell in love with the game.

What has your experience been like playing for the Shooting Stars?

My experience playing for the Shooting Stars was a blessing. I was not even supposed to be on the team. I was really supposed to be playing back in Europe, so for me, I’m just grateful that the opportunity worked out for me to play in the CEBL again.

Congrats on the win! What was it like playing in the last game when you realized you were about to be a champion?

Oh, man – that last game was just everything a last game was supposed to be. High intensity, because so much was on the line. I think everyone was dialed in and understood that there were so many people in Scarborough that were supporting us, so many people that we didn’t want to let down.

Last year the team came close, we all knew at the beginning of training camp that we had one goal in mind, which was to win a championship. I think we all bought into that, and that’s why the results are the way they are.

What does the win mean to you?

The win for me personally is big. You know, it’s so hard to win when you play professionally. Ask around – not everyone can tell you that they are a champion when they turned pro. Now, the fact that I can say I have a third one as a pro, is something that I’m going to cherish for a long time.

What advice would you give to an up-and-coming player from the city?

To focus and love the game.

For me, I always think when you do things from a purity standpoint, the passion and the love, the basketball Gods see that. For me, I tell the kids, to love the process that comes with the game. The outcome will be the outcome, but make sure you can control what you can.

Have a good work ethic, treat people the right way – because everyone wants to have good teammates, and to be a good competitor, because you want to compete you want to win. That’s how you separate yourself to be in the big leagues.

What would you say are the top three skill sets that you need to be successful in the game?

You have to be able to pass, shoot and dribble at a high level. Both hands, both ways. You have to be pretty strong, as you’re playing against other professionals.

A big part of basketball is focus. How do you keep yourself focused?

I try to keep a good support system. My family is a very strong support system for me. For me to have them and know they have my back is all I really need to stay focused.

Currently, who is your favourite NBA team or player?

My favourite team is the Toronto Raptors. I was playing with the Raptors 905 during the championship run, and I would definitely say them.

Most people see the glamorous side of basketball – the wins, the spotlight, the tours, what would you say is the most challenging about playing?

The most challenging part for me is making sure you’re still enjoying it. Making sure you maintain that purity and passion for the game.

Outside of basketball, what do you like to do?

I love watching movies, spending time with family and friends. I love music and reading, food – trying different cuisines and learning different cultures. I am a person who loves learning. If I’m not playing basketball, there’s always something where you can learn and improve.

Social media is a big part of today’s society. What would you say are the pros and cons of an athlete having social media?

Good question. The pros would be getting to market yourself. People get to see you playing.

The cons would be that you can get caught up in your own self. You never want to have a big ego in this game, never want to let things online dictate what kind of player or person you’re going to be.

You have to lock in on what’s important – your development and loving the game the right way, and it’ll love you right back.

In watching you play, and just as a person, you seem very family oriented, humble and giving. How do you stay humble and grounded, playing at your level?

At first, I didn’t want to get whopped by my mother because I know she would whoop my butt [laughs]. If she heard I was misbehaving in any way – everyone knows about my mother in Congo – she does not play.

For me, that was one of the main things. The older you get, you start to understand the importance of staying humble.

Now that you’ve won a championship, does it motivate you to win another one, and do you feel pressure to maintain the title?

No, because you got that monkey off your back. Once you get that monkey off your back, I don’t think there’s pressure, instead, you have to sustain the level that you got to. Just try and enjoy the ride of the season and see how the ball is going to fall and drop, and that’s all you can do.

I think if you have everyone on one accord, one page, one line, you can come out with a championship and do it again. The goal is to always win a championship when you play.

It can be difficult – I haven’t experienced a three peat yet like the Lakers have, so I am not too sure how that feels, but I do know I felt the process a couple of times, so you just have to continue to build and stay hungry.

Tell us about G2SPHIT camp that you co-founded?

G2SPHIT (Grind 2 Shine Performance & High Intensity Training) camp is my non-profit for the last four years now. It is something that is really good for my neighbourhood where I grew up.

Kids in these neighbourhoods, whenever they see people who look like them on TV, it’s never in a positive manner. For me, I want to give them something where they’re seeing and feeling it in front of them, and it’s not so far-fetched. They can feel the love they’re getting from people right in their community.

What’s next for you?

What’s next is whatever God has planned. What that looks like, I have no idea. I know I’m happy to continue working; keep my mind, body and spirit right, and then I think I’ll be fine with anything that happens.

Right now, I’m just enjoying this championship ride, but I’m back in the gym working, coaching my kids and trying to make an impact in the city of Toronto as much as I can.

Myck demonstrates a high level of talent while remaining humble and making it his duty to give back. Himself and the Shooting Stars definitely did what needed to be done, making their family, friends, and the city proud.

One time for the ends.